Quebec femicides climb to 13 this year as shelters turn away nearly half of women seeking help
Montreal police investigating latest domestic homicide while advocacy groups cite abysmally low victim-support resources and failed shelter-expansion promises.
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Quebec is tracking 13 suspected femicides in a domestic context so far this year—a number that climbs to 16 when including women killed by non-romantic partners—with Montreal police investigating what is believed to be the 13th domestic homicide just this week.
On Tuesday, a 41-year-old woman was murdered in broad daylight by a man she had just separated from, in front of their children. The death follows the killing of 44-year-old Leakkhena Seng, who was stabbed by her partner Saturday. Earlier victims this year include 31-year-old Tadjan'ah Desir, pushed off a Hochelaga balcony by her ex-boyfriend; 40-year-old Véronic Champagne, stabbed in Rougemont; 54-year-old Sonia Maricela Gonzalez Vasquez, killed in Brossard; 67-year-old Danielle Lascelles, murdered in Saint-Jérôme; 18-year-old Katerine Alejandra Mejia Salinas, strangled; and 30-year-old Shannon Jean Hickey, murdered in Gatineau.
The killings underscore a critical resource gap. Quebec shelters are turning away almost half of women seeking help due to lack of space—this despite a CAQ government promise made five years ago to increase the number of shelter spaces. Resources for victims of gender-based violence remain severely underfunded across the province, leaving many women without accessible protection or services.
What is the current number of shelter spaces in Quebec versus the promised increase announced five years ago?
How much is currently allocated to gender-based violence prevention and victim services, and how does that compare to need?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The details
How many femicides has Quebec recorded this year?
Quebec is tracking 13 suspected femicides in a domestic context so far in 2026, or 16 when including women killed by non-romantic partners.
What's happening with Quebec's shelter system?
Quebec shelters are turning away almost half of women seeking help due to lack of space, despite a government promise made five years ago to increase shelter spaces.
